Today's the BIG DAY!!!

I am anxiously awaiting the result of the IOC vote today - where will the 2016 Olympics be held?

According to what I've been reading, against all odds, Rio is now considered a frontrunner... who would have thought?

I remember how emotional I was the day that Vancouver was selected to host the 2010 games, and I think if Rio is selected this will be even moreso the case for me - it would just bring about so many opportunities for Rio and Brazil in general, and give it some exposure to the world. There are so many misconceptions about Brazil and this would help educate people on what it's really all about. I hope it would also result in the improvement of many living conditions and infrastructure in the city - much needed.

I've been a bit vocal about my disapproval of the amount of money spent on what seemed like a long shot bid, considering that Rio wasn't initially intended to make the final ballot (Doha was vetoed by the committee because of its hot climate, despite scoring higher than Rio in preliminary rounds of city selection). Recent crime sprees in the Zona Sul while the world's eyes are on any news coming out of Brazil also make me curious if this is sort of a demonstration of protest coming from the city's less fortunate - one could hardly blame them for thinking the money could have been spent elsewhere, considering the price tag of the bid and the lousy living conditions for many in Rio.  Considering how many issues first world countries have in preparing a city for the frenzy of the games, I've often wondered how on EARTH Rio could ever get it together - but when it comes down to it, I hope Rio gets the games.  I wish I were in Rio today to head on down to Copacabana for the big announcement - but I am still traveling.

Eu Quero!

Comments

[a]

we will win...you promisse you!

[Maylis]

Yayyyy! Cidade maravilhosa!

[jackie]

Rio won i think, or so I've read. Maybe with luck my family and i will be residing in the beautiful city and be able to enjoy all that Rio has to offer during the Olympics. :)

[Daily Rio Life]

hooray!!!!!!!!!

[claude]

So excited for RIO! 2016!